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Irish Baby Name · Boy

Cainneach

Pronounced: KAN-yakh

Meaning: Handsome, fair

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About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Canice, Kenneth
Variants
Cainnech, Coinneach
Stronghold region
Leinster

Overview

Borne by Saint Cainneach of Aghaboe, a 6th-century abbot and friend of Saint Colm Cille; eponym of the city of Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh, 'Cainneach's church').

The story behind Cainneach

Saint Cainneach of Aghaboe travelled with Columba and Comgall and is credited with the foundation of monasteries in both Ireland and Scotland; the city of Kilkenny grew up around his church.

Mythology & legend

Non-mythological; 6th-century Irish saint and friend of Columba.

Did you know?

Saint Cainneach (Canice) gave his name to Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) and to Saint Canice's Cathedral.

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